Lexapro Addiction: Side Effects, Detox, Withdrawal, and Treatment

What is Lexapro?

Lexapro (escitalopram) is a type of prescription drug known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI that is used to treat depression and anxiety. Similar to drugs like Prozac and Zoloft, Lexapro works by reducing the absorption of serotonin in the brain and increasing its levels in the brain, which restores balance and decreases symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Lexapro is also commonly used to treat people who are in recovery from substance use disorder and alcohol addiction, as it can reduce alcohol cravings and help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety in recovery.

A dose of Lexapro comes in a 5, 10, or 20 mg tablet, as well as in liquid form. A typical dose may be anywhere from 10 to 20 mg per day but will vary depending on the condition it is being used to treat. Lexapro is known to be less severe than other drugs and although most people don’t experience strong side effects, some may occur.

It is possible to abuse Lexapro while taking it for anxiety or depression, which is particularly dangerous because about 20 percent of people taking SSRIs like Lexapro experience discontinuation syndrome, which causes moderate or severe physical withdrawal symptoms. Although it can cause withdrawal, Lexapro is not classified as an addictive drug and is not a controlled substance.

If you are abusing Lexapro or have been taking it as treatment for depression or anxiety, do not stop taking it suddenly, as this can cause moderate or serious withdrawal symptoms. A medical detox program can help you slowly taper off the drug to reduce the likelihood of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.

About Lexapro Abuse and Addiction

Lexapro is one of the most commonly prescribed SSRIs in the U.S. and many people end up taking it for decades following a quick diagnosis of depression. Although it is not a controlled substance and the FDA has reported that it is physically non-addictive, you can develop a psychological addiction to Lexapro with regular abuse.

Although Lexapro addiction isn’t as common as addiction to other prescription drugs and narcotics, people may take larger doses to try to improve their mood more or to experience the euphoria that is created by a high.

Lexapro can be abused in many ways, such as:

Taking more Lexapro than was prescribed by your doctor

Taking someone else’s Lexapro that was not prescribed to you

Continuing to take Lexapro long after symptoms of depression and anxiety have subsided

Buying Lexapro from friends, family members, or dealers

Forging prescriptions for Lexapro

Side Effects of Lexapro Abuse

Lexapro abuse can cause some severe physical and psychological side effects. Common side effects of Lexapro abuse include:

Hallucinations

Memory problems

Sensations that feel like electric shocks

Sexual dysfunction

There are no documented long-term side effects of Lexapro abuse, but risks of continued abuse may include:

Physical dependence

Addiction

Signs and Symptoms of Lexapro Abuse and Addiction

If a person is abusing Lexapro or is addicted to it, there will be some outward signs and symptoms of abuse. These may include:

Taking larger doses of Lexapro than necessary

Faking symptoms of depression or anxiety to get Lexapro from a doctor

Seeing multiple doctors to get Lexapro prescriptions

Having severe mood swings

Having trouble sleeping at night

Appearing to be high or sedated

Pretending to lose prescriptions to get early refills

Needing more Lexapro pills to experience the same effects they used to provide

Isolating oneself from friends and family

Hiding Lexapro use from loved ones

Lack of interest in hobbies and activities they used to enjoy

Someone who has a history of substance abuse or who abuses other prescription drugs or illegal substances may also be more likely to abuse Lexapro.

Lexapro Detox and Withdrawal

If you use Lexapro and then suddenly stop, you may experience withdrawal symptoms or discontinuation syndrome, with symptoms that can range from mild to severe.

Lexapro withdrawal symptoms frequently include:

Vivid or disturbing dreams

Headaches

Insomnia

Excessive sweating

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Tremors

Irritability/agitation

Confusion

Dizziness

Pins and needles

Irregular heartbeat

Blurred vision

Ringing ears

Depression

Anxiety

Flashes of light

Electric shock feelings in the legs, arms, and brain

Symptoms of discontinuation syndrome may include:

Insomnia

Nausea

Sensory disturbances

Flu-like symptoms

Imbalance

Hyperarousal

While the duration and intensity of Lexapro withdrawal will vary from person to person, it can be quite an uncomfortable and disturbing experience. Lexapro withdrawal and detox are best completed under medical supervision at a detox center.

Medical detox for Lexapro addiction and withdrawal provides 24/7 medical monitoring to ensure a safe and effective tapered withdrawal from the medication. Clinical and medical staff work together to create a personalized and fluid treatment regimen that will help you overcome Lexapro withdrawal and addiction without putting yourself in physical danger.

A medical detox program can also greatly reduce the risk of relapse, as it provides a safe, supportive, and sober environment in which to detox. You’ll have nurses, doctors, and recovery specialists on your side as you make the difficult transition from a life of prescription drug abuse and addiction to a life of sobriety.

Treatment for Lexapro Addiction

Continuing addiction treatment after Lexapro detox is extremely important because many people still experience symptoms of discontinuation syndrome for weeks or months after detox and withdrawal are complete.

Dealing with these symptoms on your own can be extremely difficult, but a comprehensive addiction treatment program can provide the support you need to stay sober after Lexapro detox. There are several different types of addiction treatment programs for people who are recovering from addiction. The most common are:

Inpatient Drug Rehab vs. Outpatient Drug Rehab for Lexapro Addiction

Inpatient and outpatient rehab are both effective methods of treatment for Lexapro addiction, however, determining which one is the best fit will provide the most effective treatment possible.

Inpatient residential rehab program – An inpatient residential rehab program is more structured than an outpatient program and provides gender-specific living spaces for men and women attending treatment. Clients live on-site while they complete their rehab program and they must adhere to the daily schedule provided for them by treatment staff. While at a residential rehab center, contact with the outside world is limited. On-site visits with family and friends can be arranged and clients may also be awarded day passes or overnight passes as a reward for progress.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) – On the other hand, an intensive outpatient drug rehab program consists of eight weeks of outpatient meetings held at a safe clinical location. These meetings are open to male and female clients enrolled in the program and each session is facilitated by a trained addiction treatment professional. IOP allows more flexibility for those who cannot commit to living at a residential center for 90 days or who have other commitments that keep them from doing that, such as work, school, or children at home.

The cost of an inpatient or outpatient program will vary greatly depending on the program, the type of treatment offered, the facility amenities, and the location, among other factors. Most rehab facilities will offer payment options to make treatment more affordable. They often include:

Continued Care Options for Lexapro Addiction Treatment

After rehab is complete, there are a few different continued care options a person can choose from to receive continued support in sobriety. Sober living program and Aftercare programs are two types of programs that are designed to help people in recovery sustain their sobriety, prevent relapse, and establish a firm foundation in recovery.

Sober Living Programs

A sober living program offers transitional housing and recovery support services for people in recovery. Sober living homes (also known as ¾ houses, halfway houses, or transitional housing) are gender-specific group homes that help people sustain their sobriety by providing structured housing, a sober environment, and recovery support services.

These services are all designed to help sober people learn how to live independent sober lives and become active, contributing members of their local communities.

Depending on the type of sober living home, the location, and the recovery support services offered, the cost of the program will vary.

Aftercare Programs

Aftercare programs are also designed to support people in recovery, but they are specifically tailored to rehab alumni. These alumni programs provide a safe and supportive place for people in recovery to get together, share successes and struggles, and provide encouragement and wisdom when it’s needed most.

Many people also use aftercare as an opportunity to check in with their sober peers and maintain accountability with someone outside of their immediate family members or friends. Although they are often associated with people who have been in recovery for a long time, aftercare programs are perfect for people in all stages of sobriety, whether they’ve struggled with chronic relapse or not.

If you are addicted to Lexapro or abuse it and other prescription drugs, it is possible for you to get sober and live a fulfilling life in recovery. A comprehensive addiction treatment program is key to overcoming any drug addiction. Nova Recovery Center can provide personalized, effective treatment that addresses the core causes of your addictive behaviors instead of just treating the symptoms.